Heading into Diddle Arena on Sunday afternoon, a season’s goal laid ahead of them, a Region Title. But also ahead of them were the Glasgow Lady Scotties, and their star play Bree Glover.
From the opening tip, Glasgow took control of the game, as Glover scored early and often. The Lady Scotties were able to slow down the pace to their liking, and kept it at a half court game. The Lady Purples only made six field goals in the first half, and struggled from the line as well. Keely Morrow kept Bowling Green in it with 10 points, but they still trailed 17-25 at the half.
But the Lady Purples would turn up the pressure in the second half, and the ball started to bounce Bowling Green’s way. Oneisha Turner had a big second half with 8 points, and Heavyn Gray’s two shots from downtown swung the momentum to the Lady Purples. It would be a back and forth affair in the second half, with free throws key down the stretch. In the final 20 seconds, Bree Glover had the chance to put Glasgow up with a pair of free throws, but missed both, and immediately fouled out in an effort to pull down the rebound. The Lady Purples would make both free throws, making it a three point game. Then Markizjah Mimms would go step for step with Ellie Bartley on the final play, forcing a turnover out of bounds! Keely Morrow led the Lady Purples with 21 points, and Oneisha Turner finished with 9 points and 9 rebounds. This is the Lady Purples’ third Regional Championship in six years.
The Lady Purples are headed to the Sweet 16! They face highly ranked Butler in the first round Thursday at 1:30.
